Cycling network scheme on track
Work is on track to create a £2 million cycling network for a town.
Coalville's cycle scheme, launched two months ago, is forging ahead, with construction of five sections of the network nearing completion.
A mile of new cycle routes has already been created as part of the Leicestershire County Council project.
So far, work has been focused on the Birchtree roundabout, by Bardon Hill industrial estate, and along the A511 Stephenson Way.
Cheap Van Insurance For 17,18 & 19 Year Old Drivers - Call Insure365 01782 898188, Free Legal Protection Cover Included valued at £25.00!
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Monday, June 24 2013
The next stage will include a new cycle route in Forest Road, by Newbridge High School.
Lesley Pendleton, county council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Good progress is being made with building the network and I'm pleased that so far the disruption caused has been minimal. Work will stop on the network in December to make way for people getting into the town to do their Christmas shopping.
"We would like to thank motorists for their patience while this work is carried out.
"When complete, it will be of great benefit to the town and we hope it will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use their bikes for work, shopping and leisure."
The overall project has been split up into about 30 different sections, which will be completed over the next year.
When finished, the network will span about nine miles, connecting existing tracks in the town and vastly improving access for cyclists.
It is hoped the project will also encourage more people to leave their cars at home and ease congestion.
Fran Slater, 53, of Town and Country gardening footwear and accessories, based at Bardon Hill, said: "Despite the work, traffic flow has been pretty good.
"The diversions are quite clear and it's not causing too much disruption, certainly not for me or my staff.
"My journey to and from work is not taking any longer."
Led by the county council, the project aims to boost sustainable travel, primarily in the Coalville and Loughborough areas, over the next three years.
It is being paid for with the help of £4 million from the Government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund.
Cycling and sustainable transport charity Sustrans has put £250,000 towards the Coalville network. For details, visit:
www.leics.gov.uk/ proposed_ coalville_ cycle_network
Comments
by Rachel_Leics
Thursday, November 08 2012, 8:09PM
“Good luck :) x”
by MacMonkey74
Thursday, November 08 2012, 2:50PM
“Great, even more opportunities for pedestrians to injure themselves and law-abiding cyclists by completely ignoring the existence of the these presumably hard to see bright green strips (or the cyclists that occupy them).
I can honestly say that on my once-a-week journey through the pedestrianised (and non-pedestrianised) areas in Leicester City Centre I have not come close to causing anyone harm with my cycling but everytime without fail I have to take action to avoid an oblivious 'walk-ist' who has stepped out into my path without so much as a glance up.
It's understandable though as they do seem quite confusing in places so I am patient with most transgressors and to be fair most people apologise upon realising there mistake. I hold animosity towards them so it's a shame that when I am cycling carefully through shared usage zones I get dirty looks and sometimes foul mouthed diatribes.
I know this is a story about Coalville but sometimes you just gotta rant. :)”
by f007e
Thursday, November 08 2012, 11:38AM
“This should be good for pedestrians, as a pedestrian I find the only routes free of the threat of bicycles tend to be cycle lanes, all the bikes are on the pavement.”